Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest creates a foundation for 5,000 men, women and children to thrive across Arizona each month. We stabilize individuals and families during times of crisis and transition, we build a self-reliant foundation and we preserve dignity and respect.

Volunteer Purpose and Impact

People with pets often see their pets as part of their family. For some older adults who receive services from LSS-SW, this means that when money is tight, people may forgo eating to ensure that their animal friends are taken care of. This volunteer will help to make sure that pets have access to free food, in turn supporting the health of their owners. This volunteer will positively impact the health and wellbeing of pets and older adults in Pima County.

Responsibilities and Key Deliverables

Volunteers will pick up donated pet food at a central donation site. From these sites, the volunteers will visit homes of clients to deliver food, engage in conversation, and offer basic assistance to clients in relation to their pets. This may include helping to clean up after pets, providing referrals to other organizations, exercising pets, etc. Volunteers may assist with bagging food on Wednesday morning from 8-11am at Cody's Friends.

Qualifications 

This volunteer should love animals, and have some experience working with people. Volunteer should be comfortable visiting homes of older adults and pets and delivering pet food. Volunteer must have a valid driver’s license and Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card before beginning volunteer service.

Working Conditions

Volunteer(s) will be in the homes and neighborhoods of Aging & Disability Services clients. Volunteer will self-transport to donation sites and client homes.

Clearances Required & Training

Volunteer(s) will be trained on safe animal interactions by PAAW, and receive an orientation from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest. Volunteers are required to have a Fingerprint Clearance Card and have attended all required trainings facilitated by PAAW.

Location & Time Commitment

Volunteer will visit the home once with a Direct Care Worker, and then will set their schedule with the client, ideally visiting twice per month at a time agreed upon by the client. Volunteers may serve up to 4 clients concurrently.